Current and former presidents of national universities from across the country gathered last weekend at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) to discuss the future vision for national universities and their public role.

JBNU announced on the 10th that it held the '2025 Council of Former and Current Presidents of National Universities' on November 6 and 7. Held at the invitation of President 양오봉, the meeting was attended by 15 current and former presidents of national universities nationwide, including 조성환, former president of Gunsan National University (Chair of the Council); 이수성, former president of Seoul National University (former Prime Minister); 장혁표, former president of Pusan National University (current Chairman of the Youth Education and Culture Foundation); and 신극범, former president of Korea National University of Education. They discussed directions for the development of higher education, the public role of national universities, and the vision of glocal universities working with their regions.

The Council of Current and Former Presidents of National Universities was formed after the introduction of a democratic university president election system to promote the advancement of higher education, foster talent, and strengthen cooperation among universities. Since its first meeting at Chungnam National University in 1999, it has been held annually. This year's 43rd meeting continued the 26-year tradition and was hosted by JBNU.

Key agenda items included strengthening national universities' autonomy and accountability, submitting recommendations on government higher education policies, strategies for promoting glocal universities, and revitalizing the national university network.

In particular, the vision of JBNU's ongoing 'Glocal University 30 Project' was presented, drawing strong interest from participants. It drew attention as a strategy to serve as a 'Flagship University' connecting the region and the world and to simultaneously cultivate local talent and enhance international competitiveness.

In addition, 장혁표, former president of Pusan National University, emphasized in a presentation titled 'Prevention and Response Measures for School Violence' that 'responses to school violence should prioritize relationship restoration over punishment, and it is necessary to establish a prevention-centered culture and character education.'

The Council also included a campus tour of major facilities such as JBNU Central Library and the University Museum, and a meeting at Deokjinhun to discuss inter-university exchange and mutually beneficial cooperation. The following day, participants visited Jeonju Hanok Village and Pungpaejigwan to experience local historical and cultural assets and to explore ways for the region and universities to develop together.

In his welcome address, President 양오봉 said, 'As core institutions for regional and national development, national universities must uphold both publicness and autonomy,' and added, 'We hope this Council will serve as an opportunity for innovation and solidarity among national universities.'